Heating and Cooling Relief Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to increase financial assistance for low-income households struggling with home energy costs. It seeks to expand the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by boosting funding, streamlining eligibility processes, and addressing climate-related challenges like extreme heat and cold. The bill also focuses on promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption within low-income communities, and establishing a grant program to support just transition efforts away from fossil fuels. Finally, it updates definitions and reporting requirements to improve program effectiveness and accountability.
Key provisions
- Increases LIHEAP funding significantly, including a $1 billion appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years.
- Expands eligibility criteria to include households with incomes up to 250% of the poverty level.
- Streamlines re-enrollment processes for eligible households, reducing administrative burdens.
- Establishes new provisions for addressing extreme heat and cold events, including declaring major disasters and providing targeted assistance.
- Requires States to prioritize energy efficiency improvements and decarbonization in home energy assistance programs.
- Introduces a grant program to support States and local governments in developing plans to reduce energy burdens and promote a just transition.
- Updates definitions related to ‘extreme heat’ and ‘extreme cold’ and establishes a ‘HEAP coordinator’ role.
- Includes provisions to protect low-income households from late fees and utility shutoffs during periods of high energy demand.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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52 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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